Product classification
HS code for Salted beef: 0210.20
Meat, salted, in brine, dried or smoked, of bovine animals.
Classification of salted beef under HS 0210.20
Salted beef is classified under HS code 0210.20 within the Harmonized System. This classification is part of Chapter 2, which encompasses meat and edible meat offal. Heading 0210 specifically covers meat that has been preserved through salting, brining, drying, or smoking. For bovine meat to be classified here, the salting or brining process must be deep and pervasive enough to ensure preservation for purposes other than mere transport. This distinguishes it from fresh, chilled, or frozen beef found in headings 0201 and 0202. The classification follows General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which prioritize the terms of the headings and subheadings. Salted beef is often traded in barrels or vacuum-sealed packages, and the salt content must be high enough to change the character of the meat from fresh to cured.
- Covers
- Salted beef brisket
- Raw corned beef in brine
- Dried beef strips (unprocessed)
- Salt-cured bovine flank
- Brined beef shanks
- Also under 0210.20
- Libby's Corned Beef
- Jack Link's Beef Jerky
- Boar's Head Pastrami
- Stryve Biltong
- Cecina de León
- Vienna Beef Corned Beef
Codes often confused with 0210.20
Common mistake. Salted beef is frequently misclassified under HS code 0201 (fresh/chilled beef) or 0202 (frozen beef). The key difference is the preservation method; if the beef is only lightly salted for seasoning but requires refrigeration to prevent spoilage, it may still fall under 0201 or 0202. Another common error is using HS code 1602.50, which is for prepared or preserved beef. If the beef has been fully cooked or is part of a prepared meal, it must be classified under Chapter 16. Beef jerky is also a common point of confusion; if it is simply dried and salted, it stays in 0210.20, but if it contains significant additives or is highly processed, it may move to 1602.50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 021020 (the code used for salted beef), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 021020 (the code used for salted beef) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 31% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 021020, not only salted beef.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $117M 34% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $60M 17% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $19M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $343M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $94M 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $35M 12% of world imports
- 3 Spain $26M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $302M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for salted beef
Brazil classifies salted beef under NCM 0210.20.00: HS 0210.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted beef
What is the HS code for Salted beef?
The HS code for Salted beef is 021020 (Meat; salted, in brine, dried or smoked, of bovine animals). The HS code for meat of bovine animals that has been salted, in brine, dried, or smoked is 0210.20.
How do I classify Salted beef for customs?
Salted beef is classified under HS code 021020 — Meat; salted, in brine, dried or smoked, of bovine animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include canned corned beef?
No, canned corned beef is typically fully cooked and preserved in an airtight container, which classifies it under HS code 1602.50 as a prepared meat product, rather than the raw salted meat covered by 0210.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted beef (HS 021020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 021020 (the code used for salted beef) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($117M, 34% of world exports), Switzerland ($60M) and Brazil ($19M). World exports came to about $343M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of salted beef (HS 021020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 021020 (the code used for salted beef) in UN Comtrade data were France ($94M, 31% of world imports), Germany ($35M) and Spain ($26M). World imports came to about $302M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Salted beef the same in all countries?
The base HS code 021020 for Salted beef is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for salted beef in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted beef (HS 021020) is classified under NCM 0210.20.00.